This show works because Brendan Gleason is such a great character actor .
Story is ok pacing is a bit slow in the second season .
261 Reviews
Brendan G makes this show work
celt00728 January 2020
Could be a 10
noeldurbin-9931818 September 2018
A bit slow but interesting
eronzierjoly26 June 2021
The pace was slow, but I found it interesting enough to keep watching. I do think it could have just as well been a movie instead of a series if they just left it after the first season. Very good start.
I quit after season 1 based on the reviews and also the first half of the first episode (I don't like it when things happen in dreams/the subconscious/whatever).
I quit after season 1 based on the reviews and also the first half of the first episode (I don't like it when things happen in dreams/the subconscious/whatever).
Gleeson at his best!
oosteo-288-21833822 August 2017
After reading up on this, my curiosity was spiked when I learned that Stephen King had wrote the character of Bill Hodges based on Brendan Gleeson. Growing up, Stephen King was my Author of choice and being Irish I have always rated Brendan Gleeson as one of our best actors. I always though a little known Irish film called "I went Down" as one of his finest performances but after watching the first 2 episodes of this, Brendan Gleeson is (as we would say in Ireland) Feckin Brilliant. This is the best thing I have watched in quite a while and I can't wait for the next episode. :)
Excellent show.
kitellis-9812111 July 2018
Despite the staggering number of morons who ruined this show's Amazon rating by giving it one-star reviews due to a missing episode, rather than it being a bad show, it still managed to pop-up on my radar; a small miracle for which I am very grateful, as it is an outstanding piece of television.
As serial-killer procedurals go, this is one of the finest I've seen, with strong writing, a talented cast, confident director, and master storyteller Stephen King pulling the strings.
It is not perfect. Far from it. But in an overcrowded genre replete with potential potholes, this show managed to avoid most of the common hazards, while remaining generally unpredictable, well-paced, and intriguing. On a few occasions it began to feel a little like the similarly excellent "Dexter", and somewhere around the middle I began to experience unexpected sympathies with the killer, which made me wonder if I should be rooting for him, rather than the retired cop expertly portrayed by the ever likable Brendan Gleeson. But in the nick of time, my own personal leanings toward serial-killer-dom were jogged back to the correct moral course, and the season concluded with a deeply satisfying finale.
On a personal note, and with absolutely no exaggeration, this show also achieved something rather remarkable: Literally every single song featured in the entire series, without exception, was one that I absolutely hate. This has never happened before in 43 years of watching films and TV. I wasn't even aware that I hated so many songs, but apparently I do. And since the soundtrack of any film or TV show is at least fifty percent responsible for the viewer's emotional responses to what they're watching, it is even more impressive that I enjoyed the show so much, despite its appalling soundtrack!
I'm assuming that this is a one-off series, but if not I can't wait for the next one.
As serial-killer procedurals go, this is one of the finest I've seen, with strong writing, a talented cast, confident director, and master storyteller Stephen King pulling the strings.
It is not perfect. Far from it. But in an overcrowded genre replete with potential potholes, this show managed to avoid most of the common hazards, while remaining generally unpredictable, well-paced, and intriguing. On a few occasions it began to feel a little like the similarly excellent "Dexter", and somewhere around the middle I began to experience unexpected sympathies with the killer, which made me wonder if I should be rooting for him, rather than the retired cop expertly portrayed by the ever likable Brendan Gleeson. But in the nick of time, my own personal leanings toward serial-killer-dom were jogged back to the correct moral course, and the season concluded with a deeply satisfying finale.
On a personal note, and with absolutely no exaggeration, this show also achieved something rather remarkable: Literally every single song featured in the entire series, without exception, was one that I absolutely hate. This has never happened before in 43 years of watching films and TV. I wasn't even aware that I hated so many songs, but apparently I do. And since the soundtrack of any film or TV show is at least fifty percent responsible for the viewer's emotional responses to what they're watching, it is even more impressive that I enjoyed the show so much, despite its appalling soundtrack!
I'm assuming that this is a one-off series, but if not I can't wait for the next one.
Good Show...But...
yourebooked26 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm one of those who reads the book before watching the adaptation (if I truly enjoyed the story, sometimes I like to see how things play out on screen). That being said, I read all 3 of the books in the Mr. Mercedes trilogy and I think they did a good job with this show.
Just finished watching the season 2 finale, so I'm caught up to speed. If you haven't read the books, you'll have a different experience watching this than I have. The show stayed somewhat true to the books (season 1 more so). Season 2 strayed quite a bit and I'm not sure how I feel about that. A few things bothered me, so I'll voice them here.
For starters, they added Holland Taylor's character (Ida) as a main player to the show. I adored her. In interviews, it was stated she was created to give Bill someone to socialize with since he was lonely and depressed. They utilized her well in season 1, but we barely saw much of her in season 2. The reason for this seems to be because they also created a role for Bill's wife (she also wasn't in the book) - and I just don't see why this was necessary. Ida actually WAS mentioned in the book, but very mildly when Bill was interviewing some of his neighbors to find out about any suspicious people/activities in the neighborhood and she was the one who mentioned the ice cream man (which he eventually put together as Brady).
Instead of pairing him back up with his wife, I would have preferred to see him develop a stronger bond with Ida in the show. She just exuded class, strength and a quiet dignity - and I was sorry to see her take a back seat to an unnecessary character (his wife) when it didn't add any value to the plot..
Jerome, who was different (happier - and his intelligence was so evident) was underused in the series. He was far more likable in the books, his family life was decent and he didn't have such a nervous and controlling father. He also had a great relationship with his sister. This was important to the story.
In fact, Bill, Jerome and Holly (the trio of strength, humanity and entertainment) didn't work together nearly as much in the series, but in the books, their deep friendship and compatible working relationship were special. I would have liked to see that translated better on screen. Bill valued and needed Jerome and Holly in the books and he cherished them. On screen, he just kind of snapped at them a lot.
Season 2 strayed considerably from the book (which was based on book 3 since book 2 was completely different and didn't involve Brady). I think it was wise to bypass book 2 (Finders Keepers) in the series (for now anyway) since viewership was strongly based on BOTH Bill's AND Brady's characters (and Treadaway's excellent portrayal of him), so it was better to go ahead and keep that plot running.
However, they left a lot unfinished...and completely changed the direction of things in the last several episodes of the show. Maybe this can turn out to be a good thing since they (the writers, producers) can use what happened at the end of the show, combine it with how Brady's character lived on after his body died in the book and create an entire season out of that. If fans are depressed thinking the show is over, this would be a great way to give them a happy surprise by creating additional content for a third season (and even a fourth one - if done right)..
The zapits, which were prominent in book 3, played a smaller part in the show. They showed Jerome's sister using this along with Ida handing them out to her students...and then just left it. Other than Al and Sadie, the nurse, it was sort of abandoned..
In the book, that plot line was well developed and contributed to the entirety of the story and created a LOT of havoc.
They also left Dr. Babineau's character open-ended...and considering how things worked in the book, there is room to continue on with him, his wife, Jerome's sister (Barbara) and Brady (even deceased).
Lou's character (Freddie in the book) is probably the one I liked better onscreen vs. in the book (Bill and Brady I liked about as much fleshed out equally in acting and writing). Breeda Wool added a ton of depth and heart to this character...and she stands out as one of my favorites.
I also thought Kelly lynch did an amazing job as Deb Hartsfield. She, to me anyway, was easier to sympathize with onscreen. In the book, not as much. Her death scene was grueling and so very well played. She's one hell of an actress - and that scene stayed true to the book as well. She deserves an award for that.
Holly, to me, was better in writing. Her written character was brilliant (even if awkward). Onscreen, she was awkward and likable, but her extreme intelligence was minimized - and that was a shame.
All in all, I enjoyed the series, but the books are still better in my opinion. I think SK's work deserves longer adaptations since they are so layered...but true character development is what makes a story - and I just feel they missed the boat with some of the characters and scenes with the show. Plus, I'll never understand some of the changes made. Why introduce a new character (Ida) just to have her sit around while you bring on another new character (Bill's wife)? I learned to care for Ida. Bill's wife was colder and I just didn't get the whole thing.
Lastly, even though the ending strayed from the book, I feel they left room to develop a season 3 based on how book 3 ended....and then, if they really wanted to, develop a season 4 based on Finders Keepers (book 2). They'd have to find a way to separate fans from Brady's presence to achieve this since he wasn't really in that book - but with enough imagination and careful plotting, I think it can be done.
Overall, I enjoyed the series, but not nearly as much as the books. While I was entertained, I just saw several unnecessary changes in the plot and characters that left me shaking my head.
That's my take on Mr. Mercedes.
For starters, they added Holland Taylor's character (Ida) as a main player to the show. I adored her. In interviews, it was stated she was created to give Bill someone to socialize with since he was lonely and depressed. They utilized her well in season 1, but we barely saw much of her in season 2. The reason for this seems to be because they also created a role for Bill's wife (she also wasn't in the book) - and I just don't see why this was necessary. Ida actually WAS mentioned in the book, but very mildly when Bill was interviewing some of his neighbors to find out about any suspicious people/activities in the neighborhood and she was the one who mentioned the ice cream man (which he eventually put together as Brady).
Instead of pairing him back up with his wife, I would have preferred to see him develop a stronger bond with Ida in the show. She just exuded class, strength and a quiet dignity - and I was sorry to see her take a back seat to an unnecessary character (his wife) when it didn't add any value to the plot..
Jerome, who was different (happier - and his intelligence was so evident) was underused in the series. He was far more likable in the books, his family life was decent and he didn't have such a nervous and controlling father. He also had a great relationship with his sister. This was important to the story.
In fact, Bill, Jerome and Holly (the trio of strength, humanity and entertainment) didn't work together nearly as much in the series, but in the books, their deep friendship and compatible working relationship were special. I would have liked to see that translated better on screen. Bill valued and needed Jerome and Holly in the books and he cherished them. On screen, he just kind of snapped at them a lot.
Season 2 strayed considerably from the book (which was based on book 3 since book 2 was completely different and didn't involve Brady). I think it was wise to bypass book 2 (Finders Keepers) in the series (for now anyway) since viewership was strongly based on BOTH Bill's AND Brady's characters (and Treadaway's excellent portrayal of him), so it was better to go ahead and keep that plot running.
However, they left a lot unfinished...and completely changed the direction of things in the last several episodes of the show. Maybe this can turn out to be a good thing since they (the writers, producers) can use what happened at the end of the show, combine it with how Brady's character lived on after his body died in the book and create an entire season out of that. If fans are depressed thinking the show is over, this would be a great way to give them a happy surprise by creating additional content for a third season (and even a fourth one - if done right)..
The zapits, which were prominent in book 3, played a smaller part in the show. They showed Jerome's sister using this along with Ida handing them out to her students...and then just left it. Other than Al and Sadie, the nurse, it was sort of abandoned..
In the book, that plot line was well developed and contributed to the entirety of the story and created a LOT of havoc.
They also left Dr. Babineau's character open-ended...and considering how things worked in the book, there is room to continue on with him, his wife, Jerome's sister (Barbara) and Brady (even deceased).
Lou's character (Freddie in the book) is probably the one I liked better onscreen vs. in the book (Bill and Brady I liked about as much fleshed out equally in acting and writing). Breeda Wool added a ton of depth and heart to this character...and she stands out as one of my favorites.
I also thought Kelly lynch did an amazing job as Deb Hartsfield. She, to me anyway, was easier to sympathize with onscreen. In the book, not as much. Her death scene was grueling and so very well played. She's one hell of an actress - and that scene stayed true to the book as well. She deserves an award for that.
Holly, to me, was better in writing. Her written character was brilliant (even if awkward). Onscreen, she was awkward and likable, but her extreme intelligence was minimized - and that was a shame.
All in all, I enjoyed the series, but the books are still better in my opinion. I think SK's work deserves longer adaptations since they are so layered...but true character development is what makes a story - and I just feel they missed the boat with some of the characters and scenes with the show. Plus, I'll never understand some of the changes made. Why introduce a new character (Ida) just to have her sit around while you bring on another new character (Bill's wife)? I learned to care for Ida. Bill's wife was colder and I just didn't get the whole thing.
Lastly, even though the ending strayed from the book, I feel they left room to develop a season 3 based on how book 3 ended....and then, if they really wanted to, develop a season 4 based on Finders Keepers (book 2). They'd have to find a way to separate fans from Brady's presence to achieve this since he wasn't really in that book - but with enough imagination and careful plotting, I think it can be done.
Overall, I enjoyed the series, but not nearly as much as the books. While I was entertained, I just saw several unnecessary changes in the plot and characters that left me shaking my head.
That's my take on Mr. Mercedes.
Great show, but people need to realize that this was years in the making, not as a result of events in Charlottesville
bryce-dayton17 August 2017
This is a great show, but the reviews are probably going to be mixed right now as a result of the tragic events that happened in Charlottesville recently. TV doesn't just happen folks. This is a TV series based on an incredibly good series of books by Stephen King, whose trilogy finished up last year. This has been in production, in filming and is now finally coming out. It's not some knee-jerk reaction to recent news in the name of getting ratings or having a political agenda.
Some people just don't think before they post reviews. Just enjoy the show for what it is, great TV, and try not to make everything political. I wouldn't even say it's in "bad taste" like one reviewer did. It's a TV show, and if you follow it long enough you'll see that the attack with the vehicle is only a part of the overall story and that there's a lot of other content to enjoy. People, sadly, get hit by cars every day, some on purpose and some not. What happened in Charlottesville is a tragedy and I absolutely condemn the racist, small-minded person that committed that act, but don't blame this TV show for existing in the face of that tragedy.
Some people just don't think before they post reviews. Just enjoy the show for what it is, great TV, and try not to make everything political. I wouldn't even say it's in "bad taste" like one reviewer did. It's a TV show, and if you follow it long enough you'll see that the attack with the vehicle is only a part of the overall story and that there's a lot of other content to enjoy. People, sadly, get hit by cars every day, some on purpose and some not. What happened in Charlottesville is a tragedy and I absolutely condemn the racist, small-minded person that committed that act, but don't blame this TV show for existing in the face of that tragedy.
Awfully Good
martyncymro12 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
From an original story by Stephen King, the pilot grabs you and holds you after the first 3 minutes, which starts pleasantly with an interaction between 2 pleasant people waiting in line for a jobs fair to open and then suddenly shocks you with a senseless act of mass murder. Jump 4 years and then the main story begins. Starring Brendan Gleeson as the original detective on the case, now retired, the pilot centres on his gruff character, his life and what follows. Everything about it is good: the plot, the acting, the directing. Personally I can't wait for the 2nd episode and wish it had been on Netflix or Amazon so that I could binge watch it. I stumbled across this by chance and I'm very glad a did.
Yeah. Stick to the first season. It is very engaging.
Otkon21 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
More of a techno-thriller with surprising characterizations and motivations. It also had to be the least Stephen King thing with his name all over it. Gone were his typical (and often tiresome) hallmarks: supernatural underpinnings, sporadic flashes of bizarre backstories, Lovecraftian everywheres and Gothic everythings. It was more like a James Patterson-meets-Tom Clancy deal with a rural setting.
But then Season Number Two happened. And what a huge steaming Number Two it has been.
The pendulum has clearly swung deep from Ohio all the way back to Castle Rock and beyond. The show becomes needlessly abstract, confusing, slow, slapdash mystical, pretentiously obscure and simply unconvincing. The tone and genre shift is jarring. It is like a completely different show with some of the same actors. But it is not the fun ride we started. All of sudden it's Dead Zone, it's Robin Cook, it's Lawnmower Man (Brady writes and magically disseminates a literal "killer app" from inside his vegetative state!), it's doctors who look like Johnny Depp with preposterous goals with Bradburian drugs. I would hate to keep watching only to find out there is an Ice Age insanity dragon name Rockbar Jeff slumbering in a glacial groove and who will be revealed as the cause of Bridgton's woes. Because that's where this feels like it is shamelessly headed.
I get that the third novel (on which Season Two is based) was more Kingian than Mr. Mercedes or Finders Keepers. But I actually liked the light- vs heavy-handedness that was imparted with Season One.
But then Season Number Two happened. And what a huge steaming Number Two it has been.
The pendulum has clearly swung deep from Ohio all the way back to Castle Rock and beyond. The show becomes needlessly abstract, confusing, slow, slapdash mystical, pretentiously obscure and simply unconvincing. The tone and genre shift is jarring. It is like a completely different show with some of the same actors. But it is not the fun ride we started. All of sudden it's Dead Zone, it's Robin Cook, it's Lawnmower Man (Brady writes and magically disseminates a literal "killer app" from inside his vegetative state!), it's doctors who look like Johnny Depp with preposterous goals with Bradburian drugs. I would hate to keep watching only to find out there is an Ice Age insanity dragon name Rockbar Jeff slumbering in a glacial groove and who will be revealed as the cause of Bridgton's woes. Because that's where this feels like it is shamelessly headed.
I get that the third novel (on which Season Two is based) was more Kingian than Mr. Mercedes or Finders Keepers. But I actually liked the light- vs heavy-handedness that was imparted with Season One.
5 episodes in: so far, exquisite adaptation
midworld_traveller16 September 2017
It's fantastic that this adaptation has allowed the relatively slow unfolding of Brady Hartsfield's dance with Bill Hodges to simmer at more or less the same pace as the book; watching two people's lives revolving around one another at a distance is mesmerising, even before the inclusion of Hartsfield's moments of lethal tantruming.
The casting is terrific, the peripheral characters are used well, and there's an energising undercurrent in that everyone seems more interesting when viewed through the lens of Hartsfield or Hodges... what perceived slight or threat has Hartsfield sensed from them, what use can they be to opening up the investigation for Bill? As for the horror, it's sordid and nasty, and very human. The inclusion of the twisted relationship between Hartfsield and his mother is unsettling in the extreme, more so because of the sense that his mother has shaped him into this person who has grown almost beyond her ability to manipulate... he's her victim, but she's now obliviously trapped in reliance on a very dangerous person, creating a morbidly fascinating relationship that often has the viewer near sympathy for both of them, but then expertly throws you back into disgust.
There's a lot of waning interest because of the pace, but for me it's ramping up with every seemingly innocuous scene. It's almost like the series is taking the time to tell us a story, rather than spoon feed us distraction. This is how I like my TV; weird, suspenseful, full of potential, with an excellent cast, attention to detail, music well used and no sense of having a scheduler with a clipboard and stopwatch directing every scene.
The casting is terrific, the peripheral characters are used well, and there's an energising undercurrent in that everyone seems more interesting when viewed through the lens of Hartsfield or Hodges... what perceived slight or threat has Hartsfield sensed from them, what use can they be to opening up the investigation for Bill? As for the horror, it's sordid and nasty, and very human. The inclusion of the twisted relationship between Hartfsield and his mother is unsettling in the extreme, more so because of the sense that his mother has shaped him into this person who has grown almost beyond her ability to manipulate... he's her victim, but she's now obliviously trapped in reliance on a very dangerous person, creating a morbidly fascinating relationship that often has the viewer near sympathy for both of them, but then expertly throws you back into disgust.
There's a lot of waning interest because of the pace, but for me it's ramping up with every seemingly innocuous scene. It's almost like the series is taking the time to tell us a story, rather than spoon feed us distraction. This is how I like my TV; weird, suspenseful, full of potential, with an excellent cast, attention to detail, music well used and no sense of having a scheduler with a clipboard and stopwatch directing every scene.
First Season is a hard 8.5
pasmwut9 October 2023
This show is very hard to review because it genuinely becomes an entirely different show after the first season. Season's two and three move into a more traditional Stephen King style, while season 1 is the classic retires gruff detective no kind of a PI being haunted by that one case. And the killer communicating with him isn't anything revolutionary, but the two leads are awesome and the supporting cast is really charming and perfect.
Season 2 and 3 are really enjoyable but they are two screen seasons, meaning it's best to watch while doing a puzzle or exercising while the first season is so captivating you don't want to miss anything. Hope this helps.
Season 2 and 3 are really enjoyable but they are two screen seasons, meaning it's best to watch while doing a puzzle or exercising while the first season is so captivating you don't want to miss anything. Hope this helps.
A Good King TV Adaptation
SAJK00716 August 2017
As a fan of Mr. King for many years --and NOT a fan of most of the TV and movie adaptations of his works-- I have to say I was impressed with the pilot episode. The casting of Brendan Gleeson got me in to watch it and thank God nobody asked him to try an American accent (witness what happened when they asked Michael Caine to try that in 'Mr Morgan's Last Love'). Also, it was nice to see Harry Treadaway pop up again after 'Penny Dreadful'. The whole show spoke of quality and good storytelling. I agree that the opening scene was a little gratuitous but it is faithful to the novel and I would rather see this sort of violence represented honestly than stylistically. No illusions that blood and guts aren't spilled when you drive a car through human bodies. I am looking forward to the next episode and have already added it to my weekly TV viewing list.
Disappointing character study with too much waste
msghall29 April 2021
Not so much a plot-driven film as advertised but an actorly exercise with so much filler that it's hard to keep interested. Fine actors like Holland and Gleason should have better material to work with but the pacing and direction is so lifeless the dialog sounds flat when it should sparkle.
Loved the first series but oh what happened in series 2 ?
pensterlab26 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
After watching the first series last year I couldn't wait for the second to start but what a disappointment it is so far. I loved the characters and the screenplay was exciting with the cat and mouse interplay between the ex detective and the psychopath both brilliantly played by Gleeson and Treadaway. However we now have the psychopath lying in a hospital bed attempting to get even with the good guy by taking over various weak hospital workers by the power of thought ....Really ? Not for me and very disappointing
Incredible series, PLEASE add a season 4!! Gleason shines!!
joiningjt22 October 2020
What the heck are people watching this show is as good as they come, the acting, story, everything TOP notch!! The whole cast is flawless the story incredible and to those who said only watch season 1 you are dead wrong. All 3 seasons are incredible and it all ends perfect. Has tension some horror some comedy but mostly amazing thrill rides!!trust me watch all 3 seasons. 1 of the best series ever.
Best Horror series on TV
kurt-20005 May 2019
Brendan Gleeson and Justine Lupe as 'Holly' stole the show with their characters. Harry Treadaway re-defined the word creepy as the evil villain. You must see the whole series from start to finish and season three is on the way. Mary-Louise Parker has a part and enhances the series like so many other actors, like Kelly Lynch from 'Roadhouse', who gave a great performance. This show is filled with surprises, and I have no intention of spoiling anything. It's unpredictable, just the way most people like a story line. Run with it.
At last! A good adaptation.
sforrester-321 August 2017
I'm a huge fan of Stephen King and have been for many years but I've hated the majority of adaptations of his work. Not because they don't stay true to the books but because sometimes they stay too true and it just doesn't work. There is a huge difference between a book and a screenplay so doing a word for word copy of a book, especially a King book, just doesn't work on the screen. Thankfully with Mr Mercedes this hasn't happened. The characters are there, the plot is there but there are differences and I'm glad there are. Brendan Gleeson is a great choice for Bill and the production doesn't have that cheap feel that a lot of King adaptations have (The Mist TV series, Under the Dome, The Shining mini series to name but a few). I'm two episodes in and I'm hooked. I only hope they don't let it ramble on beyond the source material and spoil it as that would be a real shame.
Mr. Mercedes is the Cadillac of Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller television series of this century
Ed-Shullivan10 January 2021
Season 1 is so gripping as we gradually got to know all the good and bad characters that Mrs. Shullivan and I just had to binge watch the subsequent two (2) seasons over the weekend. It is a captivating mystery/thriller/sci-fi series which stars the always impressive Brendan Gleeson as a retired homicide detective named Bill Hodges who after losing his wife through an amicable divorce, believes he has nothing else to live for but to drink both day and night and the only one who relies on him nowadays is his fully grown twenty year old tortoise (please do not call him a turtle says Bill) named Fred.
Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) has lost his wife through an amicable divorce and is estranged for a few years now from his only daughter who has suffered from drug and alcohol abuse. Bill finds his solace and a revitalized need to once again feel worthy of his crime solving ability when he gets involved in the investigation of the unidentified serial killer named Mr. Mercedes whose crime was to run down a huge crowd of people standing in line at an early morning job fair in a stolen Mercedes Benz vehicle and then he just drove away and abandoned the stolen Mercedes Benz car after killing a dozen or so people and injuring and traumatizing hundreds of other people.
By season two (2) the serial killer is identified and by season three (3) there is a new story line which is indirectly tied to the first two seasons as some of the surviving victims of Mr. Mercedes who were at the job fair try to get on with their lives. Season three (3) is probably more violent than any of the three (3) seasons but not in a true gratuitous violent manner, but more in a comedic way if murder can be considered comical, Mr. Mercedes pulls it off perfectly.
There is a great supporting cast and an even better Stephen King storyline in which Stephen King supplants himself in one cameo scene as one of the many imaginary murder victims in a restaurant. Mrs. Shullivan and I really enjoyed all three (3) seasons but were glad when the series ended because we were beginning to enjoy all of Stephen King's murder and bloodshed so much so that we quickly next turned to a Walt Disney animated classic to come back to reality and calm.
I give this excellent series a highly rated 8 out of 10 IMDB rating
Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) has lost his wife through an amicable divorce and is estranged for a few years now from his only daughter who has suffered from drug and alcohol abuse. Bill finds his solace and a revitalized need to once again feel worthy of his crime solving ability when he gets involved in the investigation of the unidentified serial killer named Mr. Mercedes whose crime was to run down a huge crowd of people standing in line at an early morning job fair in a stolen Mercedes Benz vehicle and then he just drove away and abandoned the stolen Mercedes Benz car after killing a dozen or so people and injuring and traumatizing hundreds of other people.
By season two (2) the serial killer is identified and by season three (3) there is a new story line which is indirectly tied to the first two seasons as some of the surviving victims of Mr. Mercedes who were at the job fair try to get on with their lives. Season three (3) is probably more violent than any of the three (3) seasons but not in a true gratuitous violent manner, but more in a comedic way if murder can be considered comical, Mr. Mercedes pulls it off perfectly.
There is a great supporting cast and an even better Stephen King storyline in which Stephen King supplants himself in one cameo scene as one of the many imaginary murder victims in a restaurant. Mrs. Shullivan and I really enjoyed all three (3) seasons but were glad when the series ended because we were beginning to enjoy all of Stephen King's murder and bloodshed so much so that we quickly next turned to a Walt Disney animated classic to come back to reality and calm.
I give this excellent series a highly rated 8 out of 10 IMDB rating
Bring Back Bill
ekennedy-8259614 March 2019
Love this show so much, can hardly wait for a third season. Branden Gleason is excellent! A rather disheveled straight talking detective whose Irish accent makes him loveable, fierce and sexy. So happy he has his own show, first saw him in Lake Placid. Brady is stunning!
Up and down
connorlwork28 January 2023
I think this is a really good example of stretching a show beyond its useful life, if I'm being honest. Excellent first season, with a great narrative, running at a good pace, and supported by fantastic performances. I think this is a little easier to achieve when doing an adaptation, but regardless, I enjoyed it. First season was probably more of an 8, maybe a 9.
Second season felt like a 5 or 6. I'm not familiar with the original novels, and where they did or did not stick to King's narrative. But my pet peeve is when a show breaks the basic premises of a world that has already been established, and I felt they unabashedly went for this, in order to stretch the same characters and story of season one for another season two. It didn't work for me.
Season 3 they smartly abandoned that stretching, and we had a fresh narrative, which I enjoyed. About nothing extended over from Season 2, besides the court case with Lu, and some hints of those broken premises. It was a nag, but I could tolerate it.
In the end, I think it's a 7, with a shout out to some of the individual performances for Ida, Bill, Jerome and Holly. I felt the cast had wonderful chemistry, and I enjoyed seeing them grow through it together.
Second season felt like a 5 or 6. I'm not familiar with the original novels, and where they did or did not stick to King's narrative. But my pet peeve is when a show breaks the basic premises of a world that has already been established, and I felt they unabashedly went for this, in order to stretch the same characters and story of season one for another season two. It didn't work for me.
Season 3 they smartly abandoned that stretching, and we had a fresh narrative, which I enjoyed. About nothing extended over from Season 2, besides the court case with Lu, and some hints of those broken premises. It was a nag, but I could tolerate it.
In the end, I think it's a 7, with a shout out to some of the individual performances for Ida, Bill, Jerome and Holly. I felt the cast had wonderful chemistry, and I enjoyed seeing them grow through it together.
A severely underrated series - Fantastic all round
lukeb-1608214 March 2021
I feel this has gone under the radar for many people. (Being on the audience network didn't help) stumbled across it on Amazon prime (UK) and have been hooked. The story, character development and acting have been phenomenal, Brendan Gleason being a stand out!
Only downside is season 2 takes a bit of a weird supernatural turn, but stick with it, it does get back to season 1 highs. Shame there is no season 4 but it had to end at some point. Definitely give this a go
Only downside is season 2 takes a bit of a weird supernatural turn, but stick with it, it does get back to season 1 highs. Shame there is no season 4 but it had to end at some point. Definitely give this a go
Gleeson is Hodges!
donaldricco4 November 2018
I'll begin with the positives, the casting, the music, and the beginning of the first episode! The casting is spot on - Brendan Gleeson is almost exactly how I pictured Bill when I read the book! Harry Treadaway is excellent as Brady, and Kelly Lynch is creepily perfect as his mom! Well done! And the music is so good, lots of variety and quality in every episode! And, that first 5-10 minutes of episode one is just a gut punch! I almost couldn't watch it happen!
Now the negative, for me. This really drags on and on. As much as I like the acting, the storyline is proceeding way to slowly. And I'm so tired of the scenes in the electronics store. Maybe this material is better suited for a movie. Or less episodes. I like it, but I'm a bit bored. Not sure if I'll continue the series.
This to adapt Stephen King's source material
paulbryan200731 August 2017
The Dark Tower has received almost universal panning from critics, primarily for producing an adaptation that condenses 6 books worth of material into a feature-length summary. King's books are layered and complex, and deserve more room to breathe than was allowed in this case. Cramming 44.7 pages of writing into every minute of running time isn't conducive to a good viewing experience. The makers of Mr Mercedes have done the opposite, eking a single book out over ten 60-minute episodes.
Predictably, the finished products are worlds apart.
I hungrily devoured the Bill Hodges trilogy, finishing each one in turn and counting the days before the subsequent release. I had no idea there was a TV adaptation in the works, and so finding out that there was came as a very welcome surprise, but not without some trepidation.
I watched the pilot without having looked at who had been cast in the main roles, and in hindsight I honestly can't think of a better choice than Brendan Gleeson (thankfully sans any attempt at an American accent) as the retired detective taunted back into action by 'the one that got away', played with just the right amount of nuanced psychopathy by Harry Treadaway.
The addition of a sexually liberated neighbour character initially had me worried, but acts as an offbeat comic makeweight to the otherwise considerably bleak subject matter, and adds some extra heart to the dynamic.
I can only hope that the series continues in the same vein, with the wonderfully cantankerous Hodges raging against the dying of the light in his own inimitable style in the hope of getting that one last clearance that has tormentingly eluded him for so long.
Also, and I know this is a lot to ask, could Finders Keepers and End of Watch get their own adaptations in due course? Pretty please?
Predictably, the finished products are worlds apart.
I hungrily devoured the Bill Hodges trilogy, finishing each one in turn and counting the days before the subsequent release. I had no idea there was a TV adaptation in the works, and so finding out that there was came as a very welcome surprise, but not without some trepidation.
I watched the pilot without having looked at who had been cast in the main roles, and in hindsight I honestly can't think of a better choice than Brendan Gleeson (thankfully sans any attempt at an American accent) as the retired detective taunted back into action by 'the one that got away', played with just the right amount of nuanced psychopathy by Harry Treadaway.
The addition of a sexually liberated neighbour character initially had me worried, but acts as an offbeat comic makeweight to the otherwise considerably bleak subject matter, and adds some extra heart to the dynamic.
I can only hope that the series continues in the same vein, with the wonderfully cantankerous Hodges raging against the dying of the light in his own inimitable style in the hope of getting that one last clearance that has tormentingly eluded him for so long.
Also, and I know this is a lot to ask, could Finders Keepers and End of Watch get their own adaptations in due course? Pretty please?
Great first season
danielhost29 May 2020
Drags on a bit
just_an_ambulance24 September 2019
It starts off well enough, but throughout the series they fall into the trap of introducing new characters and dilemmas rather than focussing on a decent, concise and gripping series.
Ive not read the book so cant comment on similarities etc. But as a series, it falls into the tired old framework so many series go down, with more emphasis on keeping the story going and dragging it out, rather than making it well.
Got bored around episode 7.... shame really.
Ive not read the book so cant comment on similarities etc. But as a series, it falls into the tired old framework so many series go down, with more emphasis on keeping the story going and dragging it out, rather than making it well.
Got bored around episode 7.... shame really.
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